This is the first year that Viva Cuba’s annual Chair-i-table Auction will be held in the fall at Cuba Fest rather the Saturday before Mother’s Day.

Viva Cuba’s annual Chair-i-table Auction, which features furniture by local artists and crafts people, has become an expected event. However, this year the event will not be the Saturday before Mother’s Day as it has been since the first auction. The auction has been moved to the first day of Cuba Fest on Saturday, October 20. Viva Cuba members have discussed this idea for a few years, but this seemed to be the year to make the transition and to see how the event is received at its new time and place.

Silent bidding for the custom designed furniture takes place from 9:00 am-2:00 pm on Smith Street in the Recklein Commons area as a Cuba Fest Event. At 2:00 pm, the bids will play out until someone walks away with the winning bid for his or her piece of furniture. While you are watching your bids, taste some of the chili from the Chili Cook-off to see who will be the new Chili Chef for 2012.

If you would like to take a look at some of this year’s offerings, they are displayed at the Hwy. 19 Peoples Bank. They are on display in the bank lobby. Let the bidding begin! Funds are used by Viva Cuba for mural maintenance and repair.

Here’s a preview of what you will see.

Mad About Plaid by Joyce Stewart

This antique chair with a wide seat would be a substantial addition to a den or living space. The modern plaid with the vintage chair is an unexpected update that makes this chair a winner.

Joyce Stewart’s skillful upholstery work makes this chair pop.

Shimmer by Merry Cloer

Merry Cloer of Spirals Gallery & Studio on Route 66 is known for her mosaic work. She has transformed this simple chair into a bright and sparkling addition to your–as the chair says–Love, Home, Family. Visit Spirals to see more of Merry’s work and that of other area artists.

Shining with love and family, this one-of-a-kind chair will brighten any corner.

Redbird Rookie by Marge Fleming

Marge Fleming’s little cardinal rockers have become a staple of the auction, and this one does not disappoint. The talking Fredbird might tell you what he thinks of the Cardinal’s chances for the series. Put your little rookie in this chair for a little Cardinal time.

With the Cardinals getting ready to rock the playoffs, your little tyke might enjoy this chair, which is accompanied by a talking Fredbird.

Aurora Borealis by Pat Cookson

Pat Cookson’s classic black chair is the perfect canvas for Pat’s outstanding textile skills. Like the night sky, the black chair surrounds the rich colors of Pat’s work. See more of her skills at the Two Pats Gallery blog. This award winning textile artist knows her way around a needle.If you love the needle arts, visit her gallery outside of Cuba, which is open to the public by appointment.

Some decorators say that a black piece of furniture or accessory gives a room a touch of elegance.

Show-Me the Dogwood by Julie Brand

This antique sled is such a treat with its aged wood that artist Julie Brand wanted a subtle decoration that would not overwhelm its integrity. With the much loved blooms and branches of the Dogwood, she has succeeded in showcasing Missouri’s state tree and creating a standout piece. Pile the sled with gifts at Christmas time or use it as a coffee table year round. It’s all good. Julie Brand and another local artist Shelly Steiger have painted the River, Millworks, and Amelia Earhart murals. Her primary passion is ceramic pottery, which can be viewed by appointment at her rural Cuba studio. Visit this blog for more information and for examples of pottery by this versatile artist.

This sled makes a winter accent piece and a year round addition to your house. I think it says “coffee table.”

Wild Acorn by Kathleen Fleming Mead

Kathleen Fleming Mead is a hometowner who has moved to the city but left a bit of her heart behind in Cuba. She has re-caned this oak chair and added some seasonal acorns. It’s a lasting reminder of the spreading oak and all that it creates.

A classic, caned-oak chair is a mainstay for many homes.

Two pieces of Americana: You Scream, I Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream and Ben Davis Apples by Marge Fleming

These matching striped ice cream chairs evoke a time when dates might have shared a sundae or soda down at the town’s drug store. Put them with a small table to create your own memories.

The “We all scream for ice cream” chairs are a classic design that evoke memories of times past.

The Ben Davis Apple chair is another piece of Americana. If you know a collector of all things apple, this is the chair for them. Ben Davis apples were classic, dependable producers and an appropriate theme for a community where “Apple was King” at one time.

Nothing says Americana like an apple does.

Artist Ray Harvey- UPDATE

There is one piece that is still missing. Mural artist Ray Harvey has a sandblasted vintage glider that he is still creating. We do not know what theme or subject he has decided to use for his glider, but from past pieces by Harvey, we are sure that it will be worth the wait. Harvey will be at Cuba Fest from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm to sign copies of Viva Cuba’s new print “Christmas Over Route 66: Cuba, Missouri,” which will be introduced at Cuba Fest. Harvey also painted the Bette Davis mural and the Phillips 66 station murals in Cuba. To see more of his work go here and visit www.rayharveyart.com.Due to a knee injury, Harvey will not complete the glider for Cuba Fest. However, he will still be there to sign Christmas prints. The glider will be advertised and offered for auction at a later time.

Drop by the Peoples Hwy 19 Bank to see these pieces. Place a bid and add to the buzz. Visit Cuba Fest for the many activities of this outstanding community event. It’s all a win-win. Visit Route 66 Cuba Fest 2012 on Facebook.